Cup Final: Rival Watch

As the countdown continues ahead of Sunday’s Capital One Cup final at Wembley, we take a look at what’s happening in the Bradford City camp.
Phil Parkinson’s side have already beaten the likes of Wigan, Arsenal and Aston Villa in this year’s competition, and are in their first final since winning the FA Cup in 1911.

Carbone calls for Bantams passion
Former Bradford star Benito Carbone says the Bantams will need to show “big heart” to beat Swansea in the League Cup final.
The Italian played for Bradford during their two-year spell in the Premier League, scoring 12 goals in 46 appearances.
“They have to play like they did in the other games, with big heart,” Carbone told BBC Radio Leeds.
“They have to do more than Swansea in every part of the pitch and keep maximum concentration.
“I saw the games against Aston Villa and they played much better than them. They have nothing to lose now.
“I think Bradford can win, why not? It is the game of their lives.”

Pardew: Wembley win would make Parkinson hot property
Alan Pardew reckons Bradford will struggle to keep hold of Phil Parkinson if they go on and win the Capital One Cup.
The Newcastle boss admits the Bantams have stunned the whole of football by reaching the final of this year’s competition.
Parkinson played under Pardew during his time at Reading, going on to become the club’s captain during his reign at the Madejski Stadium.
“Win the League Cup final and it will be very difficult for the club to hold on to him,” said Pardew. “Phil is going to be in such demand and rightly so.
“It’s a massive achievement to take Bradford to a final. They should really have absolutely no right to be there.
“It’s a tremendous tribute to the players who have done it and the manager, of course.
“But the situation is all good; nobody loses. Bradford will hopefully win the cup and then promotion may follow.
“All of a sudden, the club find themselves in a much healthier position in the summer. If they don’t manage to keep Phil on another contract, it’s a great position for a new manager to follow up.”

McArdle in fitness race ahead of final
Bradford defender Rory McArdle faces a race against time to be fit for Sunday’s Capital One Cup final.
The Northern Ireland international has been sidelined for a fortnight since suffering an ankle injury against Fleetwood, but remains positive about his chances of lining up at Wembley on Sunday.
“Each day so far it’s been a lot better but I don’t really know if I’ll be ready,” he said. “If I do make it, that will be a relief. If I don’t, I will be gutted but it’s one of those things.
“If there are any problems and it’s not worth risking it, then I’ll have to accept it.
“But the medical team are doing everything they can. I’m getting treatment twice a day and hopefully all their hard work will pay off.”